Hey! So I've been way out of the blog-loop for months now, working on various aspects of the business. I think I've figured a few things out so it won't be so long before the next post I hope!
A couple of progress updates. 1- Nutrokids book is coming along so nicely. If you don't know yet, I have a team which includes my friend a literature and montessori master, Anne Estes, a licensed educator, my sister Leah, and my boyfriend Ivan Amayo, MBA working on a new project geared to help kids become healthier. It's a kids book with several twists which I'll share later. I can share now though that it is going to be amazing, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.
I believe that a penny of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If even just 1,000 kids read this book and gain some insights early on in life, I would hypothesize they will be healthier as a result. If it reaches the millions, I will be touched. The book will be followed by a campaign involving other methods of reaching the same children and continuing their knowledge base and practical skills set to become and stay healthy. And, I met a woman who wants to translate in Spanish and sell through Spain. I'm up for Latin America as well.
The next update is that I am officially starting to send out an e-news letter. It is geared to helping adults stay healthy with nutrition news busts, success stories, recipes, and more. You can join the group on the homepage of my website- http://www.nutrolution.com/
And, last for the moment, I am considering a new network marketing company which offers nutritional testing and custom-made multivitamins based on your results. It's remarkably cool, but why go the network marketing route? Well, from what I've learned, the price is remarkable lower than what the cost would be otherwise. As compared to the typical network marketing mark-up, this set of products is actually available at a reduced rate. I haven't "joined" yet and am still considering all factors.
So there's the 5-minute update for you. Stay tuned and stay healthy!
Till later... all the best, Rachael
Hi and welcome! I'll bring you relevant info and my original perspectives on nutrition. I'm a licensed and registered dietitian/nutritionist, and I've learned a few things in 10 years practicing. I've realized that nutrition is the most important factor in how we look, think, feel and age. I own www.nutrolution.com, offering superior nutritional and botanical supplements and consultations. I want you to look and feel your best, so come join me!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
NutroKidz
Yesterday marks the beginning of a pilot nutrition education program called Nutro-Kidz (Wellness Club). Nutrolution and City Year Org. are working together to implement a nutrition education in the Miami Dade Schools for middle school kids in City Year's after school "starfish" program to start.
My goal for the program is to teach these children about nutrition and their bodies, and bring up awareness for disease prevention topics including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. From the surveys we received yesterday, I learned that the kids are both interested in and in need of nutrition education.
We realize that if an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure, then our time is best spent educating our country's children. With the health care crisis moving exponentially into children's health, we hope to create a wave of nutrition awareness and lifestyle modification which will overturn the wave of disease and poor health that we as a country have been riding.
My goal for the program is to teach these children about nutrition and their bodies, and bring up awareness for disease prevention topics including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. From the surveys we received yesterday, I learned that the kids are both interested in and in need of nutrition education.
We realize that if an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure, then our time is best spent educating our country's children. With the health care crisis moving exponentially into children's health, we hope to create a wave of nutrition awareness and lifestyle modification which will overturn the wave of disease and poor health that we as a country have been riding.
Monday, April 12, 2010
5 Nutrition Tips for Better Brain Health
Most people have dealt with emotional eating at some point in their life. For many, it's a constant battle. It's because foods can literally boost the serotonin in your brain and make you feel happier. The problem is that most of these foods tend to be sweets and carbs, which also lead to weight gain and diabetes.
So how can you use food to enhance your mood without getting caught up in high calorie, toxic junk food?
Here are 5 Nutrition Tips for Better Brain Health...
1- Scratch Artificial Sweeteners off your meal plan! ...They do not belong, and not only that, but they have been linked to health problems. In particular, Aspartame, known as "Nutrasweet" and "Equal," have been reported to cause brain problems including depression, anxiety, memory issues, and even more severe neurological diseases.
2- Up Your Essential Fatty Acids, especially Omega-3s! ... Omega-3s help make up your brain cell membranes, where neurotransmitters like serotonin enter your cell, allowing the feelings of happiness, optimism, and peace of mind. If you don't have enough omega-3, your brain won't receive your happy hormones nearly as effectively, and you're likely to feel more sad or other unpleasant emotions. You can get omega-3s from free range egg yolks, free range poultry skin, walnuts, flax oil, and wild caught fish.
3- Trash Trans Fats! ...The government now tells us that no amount of trans-fats are safe for human consumption. In fact, they can cause cancer, diabetes, and yes, brain problems like depression and attention defecit. Why? Because they clog up the receptors sites where your Omega-3s belong. Trans fats are found in many processed foods still and can be identified on the label as "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" oil.
4- Protein Power! ... Protein provides the key nutrients for building your happy hormones, aka, serotonin, dopamine, GABA, etc. Therefor, it's important that you get enough protein every day. Otherwise your body will triage whatever you have to more important things, like maintenance of heart tissue, which could leave you feeling blue. Most people need around 60-80 grams of complete protein per day, and some need much more, depending on exercise output, daily stress, immune load and injuries.
5- Digestion is Key... The digestive system and brain are sister organs therefore if your digestive system is not working so well, your brain will suffer. Why? Because neurotransmitters are produced primarily in the gut. If your gut is not working smoothly- as evidenced by constipation, gas, inflammation, etc.- you'll need to restore it starting with healthy probiotics, water, possibly some fiber, and fresh green foods. Supplements can be incredibly useful for repairing a broken down digestive system as well, although I recommend consulting with a licensed nutritionist or medical practitioner before adding random items.
So how can you use food to enhance your mood without getting caught up in high calorie, toxic junk food?
Here are 5 Nutrition Tips for Better Brain Health...
1- Scratch Artificial Sweeteners off your meal plan! ...They do not belong, and not only that, but they have been linked to health problems. In particular, Aspartame, known as "Nutrasweet" and "Equal," have been reported to cause brain problems including depression, anxiety, memory issues, and even more severe neurological diseases.
2- Up Your Essential Fatty Acids, especially Omega-3s! ... Omega-3s help make up your brain cell membranes, where neurotransmitters like serotonin enter your cell, allowing the feelings of happiness, optimism, and peace of mind. If you don't have enough omega-3, your brain won't receive your happy hormones nearly as effectively, and you're likely to feel more sad or other unpleasant emotions. You can get omega-3s from free range egg yolks, free range poultry skin, walnuts, flax oil, and wild caught fish.
3- Trash Trans Fats! ...The government now tells us that no amount of trans-fats are safe for human consumption. In fact, they can cause cancer, diabetes, and yes, brain problems like depression and attention defecit. Why? Because they clog up the receptors sites where your Omega-3s belong. Trans fats are found in many processed foods still and can be identified on the label as "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" oil.
4- Protein Power! ... Protein provides the key nutrients for building your happy hormones, aka, serotonin, dopamine, GABA, etc. Therefor, it's important that you get enough protein every day. Otherwise your body will triage whatever you have to more important things, like maintenance of heart tissue, which could leave you feeling blue. Most people need around 60-80 grams of complete protein per day, and some need much more, depending on exercise output, daily stress, immune load and injuries.
5- Digestion is Key... The digestive system and brain are sister organs therefore if your digestive system is not working so well, your brain will suffer. Why? Because neurotransmitters are produced primarily in the gut. If your gut is not working smoothly- as evidenced by constipation, gas, inflammation, etc.- you'll need to restore it starting with healthy probiotics, water, possibly some fiber, and fresh green foods. Supplements can be incredibly useful for repairing a broken down digestive system as well, although I recommend consulting with a licensed nutritionist or medical practitioner before adding random items.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
5 Top Tips for Better Rest
Are you getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night? If not, your metabolism can slow down, and your body may not be able to repair and rejuvinate adequately.
Here are a few tips to help you get more shut eye and feel your best:
1. Shut down TV/Computer at least 1/2 before bed time- the EMFs from electronics can 'wire' your brain and prevent it from shifting into its meditative and sleep cycles. So plan to shut down your TV, computer, and cell phone use a good half hour before bed time.
2. Stick to a regular sleep pattern. The body works in rhythm, so create a sleep rhythm that works for you. Sticking to it will ensure less time wide awake in bed, and more time getting your zzzz's and beauty rest!
3. Balance your blood sugar before bed- rather than a high sugar snack which can cause your blood sugar to plummet in the middle of the night, waking you up, try something more balanced and wholesome.
- Sliced Apple with Almond Butter
- Plain Yogurt with fresh chopped fruit and nuts
- A small scoop coconut milk ice cream
- A peice of Millet toast with avocado
4. Curtail Caffeine- People who cut out coffee, caffeinated soda and black tea report improved depth and ease of sleep withing days of making the change. If you have any trouble sleeping, cut out caffeine and you may just watch you sleep troubles cease.
6. Cal-Mag and Chamomile Tea- These are two of my favorite tricks for a restful evening. Calcium and Magnesium are two minerals involved in relaxing the nervous and muscular system, and chamomile is a safe effective relaxing flower which you can find in teas at any grocery store. Give 'em a shot!
Here are a few tips to help you get more shut eye and feel your best:
1. Shut down TV/Computer at least 1/2 before bed time- the EMFs from electronics can 'wire' your brain and prevent it from shifting into its meditative and sleep cycles. So plan to shut down your TV, computer, and cell phone use a good half hour before bed time.
2. Stick to a regular sleep pattern. The body works in rhythm, so create a sleep rhythm that works for you. Sticking to it will ensure less time wide awake in bed, and more time getting your zzzz's and beauty rest!
3. Balance your blood sugar before bed- rather than a high sugar snack which can cause your blood sugar to plummet in the middle of the night, waking you up, try something more balanced and wholesome.
- Sliced Apple with Almond Butter
- Plain Yogurt with fresh chopped fruit and nuts
- A small scoop coconut milk ice cream
- A peice of Millet toast with avocado
4. Curtail Caffeine- People who cut out coffee, caffeinated soda and black tea report improved depth and ease of sleep withing days of making the change. If you have any trouble sleeping, cut out caffeine and you may just watch you sleep troubles cease.
6. Cal-Mag and Chamomile Tea- These are two of my favorite tricks for a restful evening. Calcium and Magnesium are two minerals involved in relaxing the nervous and muscular system, and chamomile is a safe effective relaxing flower which you can find in teas at any grocery store. Give 'em a shot!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Nutrolution Seeks to Create a Kid's Revolution
Last night's meeting with some of my best friends in life- Leah Beeson, Anne Estes and Ivan Amayo- left me buzzing with the light of knowing that my goals of touching lives WILL happen. Not that I don't already touch lives, but this is something else.
The four of us are combining skills and talents to create a Children's Nutrition Movement that we are confident in. Focused on the pride that comes with caring properly for your body and the confidence that comes with knowing how to grow, shop for, and prepare food, our book series is destined to inspire children worldwide. I will keep you posted as we come closer toward realizing the vision... for now, if you know any publishers and/or illustrators, contact RRichardson@nutrolution.com
The four of us are combining skills and talents to create a Children's Nutrition Movement that we are confident in. Focused on the pride that comes with caring properly for your body and the confidence that comes with knowing how to grow, shop for, and prepare food, our book series is destined to inspire children worldwide. I will keep you posted as we come closer toward realizing the vision... for now, if you know any publishers and/or illustrators, contact RRichardson@nutrolution.com
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Does a Cleanse Shake a-day Keeps the Doctor Away?
Nutrolution presenting education last night on a topic that many people are confused over: detox and cleansing. We updated the old saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" and turned it into "a cleanse shake a day keeps the doctor away," whereas an apple is a dated method of staying healthy, and a cleanse shake is a more updated antitode to disease. Toxicity is one of the leading causes of both disease and general poor health conditions. We see toxicity manifesting everyday in the form of weight gain, brain issues, digestive problems, low energy, low immune function, and more.
Our foods are polluted starting from growth methods which incorporate pesticides through processing and packing in plastics. And pollution often continues through the cooking process in many cases, when you consider how most people and restaurants still cook with vegetable oils, which are highly chemical-laden and processed unhealthy fats.
Our bodies are adept at clearing toxins, hence we have intricate body systems for such, including the liver, gall bladder, kidneys, gastro-intestines, skin, lungs, and more. Though the level of toxins consumed by the average American far exceed the rate at which the human system can make sense of and clear waste. New toxins including artificial sugars, Splenda and Aspartame, as well as pesticides, antibiotic residues, fake colors and flavors, and preservatives all are integral in our food supply. All the synthetic toxins we've innovated almost make the original toxins like high sugar, fake fats (aka margarine and other hydrogenated oils), alcohol, and environmental smoke and other toxins seem benign, when really they also major contributors to toxicity.
I compare toxicity to a job in which your body can only do so much in one day before the rest of the work backs up. Over a week, it's no biggie, but over a year, 5 years, 10 or more, extra toxins ingested daily can become a monstrous and damaging back log which reaks havoc on the cell, causing all sorts of disturbances including mitochondrial dysfunction, causing chronic fatigue and weight gain, and accelerated aging and cancer from DNA damage.
The idea here is that people who've been consuming and/or exposed to a high level of toxins need to cleanse. Once cleansed, it is a wise idea to maintain the system through a daily cleanse shake and concious food and beverage choices. Nutrolution teaches people how to take their bodies from a state of toxicity through a cleanse system and maintain it. For more information, contact me at RRichardson@nutrolution.com
Our foods are polluted starting from growth methods which incorporate pesticides through processing and packing in plastics. And pollution often continues through the cooking process in many cases, when you consider how most people and restaurants still cook with vegetable oils, which are highly chemical-laden and processed unhealthy fats.
Our bodies are adept at clearing toxins, hence we have intricate body systems for such, including the liver, gall bladder, kidneys, gastro-intestines, skin, lungs, and more. Though the level of toxins consumed by the average American far exceed the rate at which the human system can make sense of and clear waste. New toxins including artificial sugars, Splenda and Aspartame, as well as pesticides, antibiotic residues, fake colors and flavors, and preservatives all are integral in our food supply. All the synthetic toxins we've innovated almost make the original toxins like high sugar, fake fats (aka margarine and other hydrogenated oils), alcohol, and environmental smoke and other toxins seem benign, when really they also major contributors to toxicity.
I compare toxicity to a job in which your body can only do so much in one day before the rest of the work backs up. Over a week, it's no biggie, but over a year, 5 years, 10 or more, extra toxins ingested daily can become a monstrous and damaging back log which reaks havoc on the cell, causing all sorts of disturbances including mitochondrial dysfunction, causing chronic fatigue and weight gain, and accelerated aging and cancer from DNA damage.
The idea here is that people who've been consuming and/or exposed to a high level of toxins need to cleanse. Once cleansed, it is a wise idea to maintain the system through a daily cleanse shake and concious food and beverage choices. Nutrolution teaches people how to take their bodies from a state of toxicity through a cleanse system and maintain it. For more information, contact me at RRichardson@nutrolution.com
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Nutrolution Moves Forward on an Initiative to Educate Kids
On March 19th, 2010, Nutrolution's Rachael Richardson, RD, LD/N and Ivan Amayo, MBA provided civil service as they spoke a group of seventy five 18-25 year old "core members" about healthy nutrition. It was called Nutrition 101 for Young Adults, and it was geared toward young adults on a tight food budget. The core members are a group of volunteers who work for City Year, a national non-profit organization who focuses on raising the bar of education in the United States, particular focusing on inner city struggling schools. Nutrition 101 for Young Adults was well received, and the day marks the start of a new relationship between City Year Foundation and Nutrolution, Inc.
Nutrolution is now working with City Year and other individuals including 5th Grade Licensed School Teacher Leah Beeson to create a nutrition education curriculum which can be implemented through City Year's existing programming and potentially to a wider audience as well. Leah Beeson is currently a wellness committee member and has already begun to develop and implement wellness concepts cocreated by herself and Nutrolution within her classroom and elementary school.
With weekly topics such as 1.) If it doesn't Grow, it Doesn't Grow, 2.) Your Body is Your Engine, and 3.) Losing Weight the Right Way, this up and coming program is going to lead the way for cutting edge nutrition education directly geared for school aged kids, specifically elementary and early middle. Nutrolution and City Year together will begin seeking funding immediately to develop this much needed program. Please be in touch if you would like to help.
Currently, Nutrolution has published a kids section on their website, where kids (and parents) can find and print a basic nutritional guide for kids. http://www.nutrolution.com/kids.php Nutrolution has coined the innitiative 'Dunk the Junk' with more to come on bringing this campaign to fruition. With key partnerships and funding, there is nothing which we-Nutrolution-cannot accomplish when it comes to teaching children how to nourish their bodies and stay healthy and disease and medication-free, even amist a world of junk food and incessant food marketing.
With a vision for a healthy future for kids, and a space where nutrolution may be of best service in 2010 and years to come, I smile gently.
Rachael
Nutrolution is now working with City Year and other individuals including 5th Grade Licensed School Teacher Leah Beeson to create a nutrition education curriculum which can be implemented through City Year's existing programming and potentially to a wider audience as well. Leah Beeson is currently a wellness committee member and has already begun to develop and implement wellness concepts cocreated by herself and Nutrolution within her classroom and elementary school.
With weekly topics such as 1.) If it doesn't Grow, it Doesn't Grow, 2.) Your Body is Your Engine, and 3.) Losing Weight the Right Way, this up and coming program is going to lead the way for cutting edge nutrition education directly geared for school aged kids, specifically elementary and early middle. Nutrolution and City Year together will begin seeking funding immediately to develop this much needed program. Please be in touch if you would like to help.
Currently, Nutrolution has published a kids section on their website, where kids (and parents) can find and print a basic nutritional guide for kids. http://www.nutrolution.com/kids.php Nutrolution has coined the innitiative 'Dunk the Junk' with more to come on bringing this campaign to fruition. With key partnerships and funding, there is nothing which we-Nutrolution-cannot accomplish when it comes to teaching children how to nourish their bodies and stay healthy and disease and medication-free, even amist a world of junk food and incessant food marketing.
With a vision for a healthy future for kids, and a space where nutrolution may be of best service in 2010 and years to come, I smile gently.
Rachael
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